Playground deck attachment assembly and method

ABSTRACT

An assembly and method for mounting a platform or deck to a number of support posts is disclosed. Each corner of the deck includes an open ended slot and an aperture above the slot. Each of the support posts includes a pair of holes arranged in corresponding fashion with the slot and aperture of the deck. Fasteners are partially inserted into one of at least two holes of the support posts such that the deck can simply be lowered onto the fasteners such that the fasteners are engaged by the slots of the deck and the deck may rest securely thereon. Finally, the installer can insert fasteners through the aperture and first hole and finish tightening the other fasteners to completely secure the deck to the support posts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to playground apparatus, and specifically to an assembly and method for attaching a deck or platform to support posts of a piece of playground apparatus.

Many different configurations of playground apparatus are known in the art. In some constructions, vertical frame beams or posts provide support for the equipment's individual play units, which may include mounted platforms or decks, towers, ladders, slides, overhead bars, firepoles, ropes, climbing walls, swing beams, or the like. Several of these distinct play units may be interconnected by a single deck, so that a child may reach all of the play units from the same platform. Other units also may be added, including other decks, to enlarge the equipment and provide additional play options.

Most known playground apparatus is constructed of multiple components, which must be assembled at the playground site. The various components must be attached by hardware or mechanical fasteners such as bolts, screws, etc. Further, most pieces of playground apparatus are heavy and bulky due to the need to provide a sturdy final product. These pieces are difficult to manipulate in constructing the completed piece of playground apparatus. Even if the installer is supposed to be able to assemble a piece of playground apparatus himself, it is often quite time intensive, difficult, and/or dangerous without assistance in holding the pieces. In particular, it is quite difficult for the installer to lift the deck onto the support posts because oftentimes the deck must be held in place while each of the individual fasteners are coupled between the deck and the support posts. This requires the aid of a number of other individuals and requires that each individual hold his or her end of the deck in place while the installer fastens each corner of the deck to each of the support posts.

Accordingly, it has been desired to provide a simplified method and assembly for constructing a piece of playground apparatus. In particular, a relatively easier method, that requires fewer people, of securely attaching the deck of a piece of playground apparatus to the numerous support posts is desired. Further, a method of assembling a piece of playground apparatus that enables an installer to easily and securely fasten the deck into place onto the support posts is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an assembly and method for easily mounting a platform or deck to the support posts of a piece of playground apparatus with fewer installers. The playground apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of support posts. Each of the support posts has a first end secured to the ground, a second end opposite the first end, and a body therebetween. The support posts include a first hole on a surface of the body thereof. The playground apparatus further includes a deck for supporting users thereof. The deck includes a plurality of corners corresponding to the plurality of support posts. Each of the corners of the deck includes a first aperture, such as a longitudinally extending open-ended slot. The first aperture is configured to align with the first hole of the support posts. A first fastener is insertable into the first hole of each support post such that the deck may be lifted onto the first fasteners and supported thereon by engaging the first apertures with the first fasteners. Accordingly, the installer is able to secure the deck in place and loosely secure it to the support posts while he or she then proceeds to tighten the first fasteners to fully secure the deck to the support posts.

The support posts may further include a second hole positioned above or adjacent the first hole and configured to receive a similar fastener. Likewise, the deck corners may include a second aperture configured to align and cooperate with the second hole of the support posts. Accordingly, while the deck rests loosely on the first fasteners, a plurality of second fasteners may be inserted through the second deck apertures and the second holes of the support posts to further secure the deck to the support posts. The playground apparatus of the present invention may include additional fasteners configured to further secure the deck and the support posts to one another.

The particular features and advantages discussed above apply to only some embodiments falling within the claims and thus do not define the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a piece of playground apparatus having a deck attached to support posts according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an end elevation view of the playground apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the playground apparatus of FIGS. 1-2;

FIG. 4 is a partial top plan view of a piece of playground apparatus including a deck attachment assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial side elevation view of the playground apparatus of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the playground apparatus of FIGS. 4-5;

FIG. 7 is a partial exploded perspective view, taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6, showing the underside of the deck, a deck mounting assembly according to the present invention, and support post; and

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view, taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6, of the attachment assembly of FIG. 7, now showing the underside of the deck coupled to the support post.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, and initially to FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary children's playground apparatus 10 includes four support posts 12. Support posts 12 have a first end 14 secured within the ground, a second end 16 opposite the first end and extending therefrom, and a body 18 positioned between the first end 14 and the second end 16. Although FIGS. 1-3 show generally vertically extending posts, it should be understood that support posts 12 of the present invention may be arranged in a number of non-vertical orientations. For instance, support posts 12 may be bent such that second end 16 is offset diagonally, horizontally, and/or vertically from first end 14. Playground apparatus 10 further includes a platform or deck 20 secured between four support posts 12. Deck 20 is configured to support the weight of several children at once and, though a square deck is shown in FIGS. 1-3, it should be understood that any number of shapes are possible, and that the shape of the deck may dictate the number of posts required. For instance, an octagonal deck will require eight posts, one for each corner of the deck. Likewise, a triangular deck will require only three posts. However, in the case of a circular deck, any number of posts may be used, so long as the deck is sturdily secured and meets all applicable safety requirements.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, a pair of railings 22 is positioned on opposite sides of deck 20, though it is understood that playground apparatus 10 may alternatively be equipped with various configurations of railings 22, or may be completely devoid of railings 22.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a ladder 24 secured to deck 20 to allow users of the playground apparatus to climb onto deck 20 from the ground. A pair of doorway railings 26 is positioned on each end of the side of the playground apparatus 10 coupled to the ladder 24 to define an entryway and provide the user with a grip for boosting him or herself onto the playground apparatus 10. Again, numerous alternative embodiments exist for ladders and doorway railings, including omission of both or either.

Turning now to FIGS. 4-8, a partial view of playground apparatus 10 is illustrated. Specifically, FIGS. 4-6 illustrate the coupling of support posts 12 to deck 20. Support posts 12 are preferably constructed of a relatively sturdy material such as metal, wood, plastic, or another similar such material. In one embodiment, support posts 12 have a five inch diameter; however, other sizes may be utilized in carrying out the present invention.

Deck 20 is also constructed from metal, plastic, wood, or any other suitable material sufficient for supporting the weight of a number of children. Deck 20 includes corners 28 that are beveled or otherwise configured to cooperate with the shape of support posts 12. That is, the shape of corners 28 allow deck 20 to be held in close proximity with support posts 12. For example, as shown, support posts 12 have a circular cross-section, and accordingly, each corner 28 is configured to cooperate with a generally rounded support post 12. However, it should be understood that support posts 12 may have any other suitable cross-sectional shape including, but not limited to, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, etc. and that corners 28 may be configured to cooperate with the particular posts being employed.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-8, the deck mounting assembly 30 of the present invention is shown. Each beveled corner 28 of deck 20 includes a first aperture 32 and a second aperture 34 arranged above first aperture 32. First aperture 32 comprises a slot with an open end that cooperates with a lower edge of the beveled corner 28, and second aperture 34 comprises an oval shape with a long axis extending horizontally.

However, first aperture 32 may also comprise a number of different shapes or sizes, such as an oversized placement hole, and second aperture 34 may likewise be varied, such as extending vertically rather than horizontally, or comprising a circular rather than oval shape. In addition, the arrangement of first aperture 32 under second aperture 34 may be varied. For example, second aperture 34 could be offset from first aperture 32 or apertures 32, 34 could be arranged side-by-side. Alternately, second aperture 34 could be eliminated entirely. Generally, it should be understood that any number of configurations may be utilized in practicing the present invention as long as first aperture 32 is capable of engaging a bolt, screw or other fastener such that the deck 20 is secured to the fastener and may be further secured into place as will be discussed in detail herein.

Support posts 12 each include a corresponding receiving structures, in this case first hole 36 and second hole 38, that are aligned with the apertures 32, 34 respectively. It is understood that, like apertures 32, 34, the first hole 36 and second hole 38 may be arranged in a number of different configurations including side-by-side and offset from one another, as long as the arrangement of holes 36, 38 correspond to the arrangement of apertures 32, 34. Further, first hole 36 and second hole 38 may comprise any number of shapes and sizes as long as they cooperate with the shape and size of apertures 32, 34.

It should also be understood that deck 20 and support posts 12 may include additional apertures and holes. That is, deck 20 may include additional apertures similar to apertures 32, 34, arranged in any number of configurations for providing further points of attachment between deck 20 and support posts 12 to thereby provide more secure coupling therebetween. Likewise, support posts 12 may include a corresponding number of additional holes configured to cooperate with the additional apertures of deck 20.

Finally, it should be understood that, while a fastening arrangement including apertures at deck 20, holes at posts 12, and fasteners connecting deck 20 with posts 12, other embodiments utilizing other fastening devices, receiving structures, or connections are well within the scope of the invention. Posts 12 could bear welded or otherwise directly attached pins, hooks, or other such mounting members that are positioned to cooperate with apertures 32, 34 such that support posts 12 do not require holes 36, 38. For example, posts 12 could be equipped with threaded projections in place of holes, and a nut used to connect the projections through the apertures to the deck. Similarly, the deck apertures could be replaced with hooks, projections, or the like for connection to receiving structures on or in the posts. A playground equipment designer of skill in the art could make many such modifications, and all should be considered within the scope of the present invention.

In operation, a first fastener 40 such as a bolt or screw is inserted into each of first holes 36 of support posts 12 of playground apparatus 10. First fastener 40 is partially screwed or otherwise inserted into first hole 36 such that a portion of fastener 40 extends outwardly from support post 12. Accordingly, deck 20 may simply be lowered onto the extending portion of fasteners 40 such that slots 32 engage the outwardly extending portion of the fasteners 40. As such, deck 20 is easily arranged in place on posts 12. If fastener 40 is a bolt or similar such object, the head of the bolt is configured to secure deck 20 in place and prevent deck 20 from slipping out of contact with fastener 40.

If used, a second fastener 42 is then inserted through second aperture 34 and through second hole 38 of each support post 12 such that deck 20 is secured tightly thereto. A washer 44 is preferably provided between aperture 34 of deck 20 and the head of second fastener 42 to prevent the fastener from being inadvertently pulled through aperture 34. Finally, once each of second fasteners 42 have been fully tightened, first fasteners 40 are likewise tightened to further secure deck 20 to support posts 12.

It is specifically intended that the present invention not be limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but include modified forms of those embodiments including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A playground apparatus comprising: a plurality of support posts having a first end secured to a ground surface, a second end opposite the first end, and a body therebetween, wherein the support posts have at least one receiving structure on a surface of the body thereof; a deck having a plurality of apertures corresponding to the plurality of support posts, wherein each aperture corresponds with a receiving structure of each support post; and a plurality of fasteners corresponding to the plurality of receiving structures, wherein each fastener engages with each aperture and each receiving structure to couple the deck to the plurality of support posts.
 2. The playground apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support posts have a second receiving structure positioned adjacent the first receiving structure and the deck has a second aperture positioned adjacent to the first aperture, wherein the second receiving structures and second apertures are configured to align with one another and receive a plurality of second fasteners to secure the deck to the plurality of support posts.
 3. The playground apparatus of claim 2, wherein the support posts have at least a third receiving structure positioned adjacent to each of the first and second receiving structures and the deck has at least a third aperture adjacent to the first and second apertures, wherein the at least third receiving structures and the at least third apertures are configured to align with one another and receive a plurality of third fasteners to secure the deck to the plurality of support posts.
 4. The playground apparatus of claim 1, wherein the deck comprises a plurality of corners corresponding to the plurality of support posts, and wherein the plurality of apertures are disposed within the corners of the deck.
 5. The playground apparatus of claim 4, wherein the corners are beveled with respect to sides of the deck.
 6. The playground apparatus of claim 5, wherein the apertures are slots that extend substantially longitudinally.
 7. The playground apparatus of claim 6, wherein each of the slots comprises an open end for receiving a portion of one of the first fasteners therethrough.
 8. The playground apparatus of claim 7, wherein the open ends of the slots are flush with a lower edge of each of the plurality of corners of the deck.
 9. The playground apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support posts have a diameter of approximately five inches.
 10. The playground apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support posts are constructed from one of a metal, wood, and plastic material.
 11. The playground apparatus of claim 1, wherein the receiving structures are holes.
 12. A playground apparatus comprising: a plurality of support posts having a first end secured to a ground surface, a second end opposite the first end, and a body therebetween, wherein the support posts have at least one projection on a surface of the body thereof; a deck having a plurality of apertures corresponding to the plurality of support posts, wherein each aperture corresponds with a projection of each support post; and a plurality of fasteners corresponding to the plurality of projections, wherein each fastener engages with each aperture and each projection to couple the deck to the plurality of support posts.
 13. A method of assembling a playground structure, the method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of support posts secured to a ground surface, wherein each of the support posts includes a first receiving structure on a surface of each of the support posts; providing a deck having a plurality of corners corresponding with the plurality of support posts for coupling of the corners of the deck thereto, wherein each of the corners of the deck includes a first aperture, and wherein the first receiving structure is configured to be aligned with the first aperture; inserting a plurality of first fasteners into the first receiving structure of each of the support posts; and engaging each of the plurality of first fasteners with each of the first apertures of the deck such that the deck is supported thereby.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of providing support posts having a first receiving structure further comprises providing support posts having a second receiving structure, and wherein the step of providing a deck having a plurality of corners having a first aperture further comprises providing a deck having a plurality of corners having a second aperture, wherein the second receiving structure is positioned adjacent to the first receiving structure.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of inserting a plurality of second fasteners through the second aperture of the deck and the second receiving structure of the support posts.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising tightening each of the plurality of second fasteners to secure the deck to the plurality of support posts.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising tightening each of the plurality of first fasteners to secure the deck to the plurality of support posts. 